#6 Savoring the Holiday Spirit

Good Afternoon Planners,
       Many times we mistake the reason for the holiday season with the hustle, bustle, endless repetitive television ads, cooking, baking, music, lights, and parties for what the real reason for the season is.  Besides the birth of Jesus the holiday season is about giving, and cherishing the time we have to spend with our families.  There are so many ways to make the holiday season more memorable while keeping it simple.  Here are my top 5:

• While lounging or reading light some scented candles, put on some low holiday music, and relax.
• Big name cable providers have holiday music channels with no commercials (usually in the higher numbered channels).  They also provide a free Yule log which can create a calm background for entertaining or just a relaxing day (find this on demand or again in the higher channels).
• Have a holiday movie night.
• Go caroling in your neighborhood (check Google for lyrics).
• Read holiday stories, and make a normal Tuesday night a simple holiday night by adding popcorn, and PJ's
  

FOR THE KIDS:

5 Holiday Movies
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A Christmas Story
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Home Alone 1 & 2
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas

5 Holiday Books
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The Polar Express
Miracle on 34th Street
Gingerbread Friends
The Christmas Story from the Bible
The Night Before Christmas

I hope that these ideas help to simplify your holiday celebrating, and helps you to remember the reason for the season.

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